2025 Solar Washington Annual Meeting & Board Member Election

Solar Washington Members:

(If you are not a member or your membership has lapsed, please join or renew here and then come back to this page)

We are closing a successful 2024 and are preparing for the new year.  As a member-driven organization, Solar Washington has two requests of you:

  • Attend the virtual Annual Member Meeting on January 17, 2025 at 12:00 pm
  • Vote for candidates to the 2025 board

Annual Meeting:

Solar Washington members, please attend the annual meeting on January 17, 2025 12:00-1:30 pm

Meet our current board and board candidates for the 2025 open board seats.  You can vote for your board candidates based on the information below or wait for the annual meeting and meet the candidates before you vote. The Election closes on January 17 at midnight.

Our speaker will be Michael Pomfret, Ph.D., Managing Director of the Washington Clean Energy Testbeds at the University of Washington Clean Energy Institute who will talk about how the Test Beds are supporting innovation in clean energy, what solar innovations are being developed and how new technologies are prepared for deployment.

This will be followed by a roundtable discussion on the future of solar in Washington and steps to support our vision of a 100% clean energy Washington! We look forwards to your input and participation.

RSVP: 2025 Solar Washington Annual Meeting of the Members

Board Election

The Board of Directors is currently composed of eleven board members, per the 2023 revised bylaws.  Elected board members serve two year terms, so half of the board is either up for re-election or vacates a seat every year. For the director positions open for 2025, there are 3 incumbents and up to 4 wide open seats.

After reviewing each candidate's information below, please select the candidates you would like to see on your board by choosing to “support” or “not support" each candidate. The candidates receiving the most votes will be elected to the board. Voting ends January 17, 2025 at midnight.  Better yet, attend the annual meeting (see above), meet the candidates and then vote before midnight on January 17. 

 

VOTE HERE

 

Candidates appear in alphabetical order, by last name, below. The statements were provided by the candidates.

 

Shane Frye

(incumbent)

Shane Frye headshot

Arlington, WA

Hello, my name is Shane Frye and I am currently a Solar Washington Board Member. I am coming to the end of my first 2 year term and would like to continue with the board for another 2 year term. I am a Program Manager at Snohomish PUD who works mainly with Solar and has started to work more closely with battery storage and EV over the last year.

I would like to continue working with the Solar Washington team as we begin our journey into expanding our solar platform to including information and education around other renewable resources and technologies such as battery and EV. I hope to be able to provide input from what I have learned in my daily life and work as well as learn from the other board members.

Dayne Goodheart

Spokane, WA

I am a member of the Nez Perce Tribe from Lapwai, Idaho, and the Tribal Program Construction Manager and Installation Trainer at GRID Alternatives, bringing more than 16 years of construction experience, including 9 years specializing in commercial and residential photovoltaic systems.  I have dedicated over a decade to advancing renewable energy solutions, particularly within underserved tribal communities. 

My commitment to energy sovereignty and environmental justice is evident through my hands-on approach to solar installations and my dedication to education. I have trained individuals from diverse backgrounds and age groups, empowering them with the skills needed to participate in the renewable energy sector.

In 2024, I was nominated for the national Energy Justice Award by Vote Solar, highlighting my contributions to advancing green energy initiatives within tribal communities.

Beyond my technical expertise, I am a proactive community advocate who can effectively communicates the benefits of renewable energy solutions and has influenced policy agendas to prioritize equitable access to clean energy jobs and resources. I enjoy spending time with my family and practicing my tribal cultural lifeways.

Nora Hawkins

(incumbent)

Nora Hawkins headshot

Olympia, WA

I lead renewable energy and battery energy storage policy for the Washington State Energy Office within the Department of Commerce. Much of my work is focused on developing policies that support the expansion of solar energy in Washington. I'm also delighted to be part of the team that will be implementing Solar for All in Washington, a federally funded program that will reduce the energy bills of income qualified households through solar deployment.

I am grateful for all the work that Solar Washington does to advance solar energy in our state through education and community engagement. I've been proud to serve on the board of Solar Washington for the past two years and I would be honored to serve another term on the board.

Thomas Honles

Thomas Honles headshot

Sequim, WA

As a solar advocate, professional engineer, and solar project manager over many years, including 2 decades with the Los Angeles DWP solar program, I have seen the solar industry develop from kilowatt-scale rooftops to multi-megawatt utility scale solar plants combined with battery energy storage systems.

I came to Washington 5 years ago and believe that there is still much to do to advance the industry and more importantly, to build a sustainable energy future at the local and the national level. Most recently, I served as Director of Solar Development with a Texas-based engineering services firm, and many developers are seeing opportunities to power energy hungry computing facilities with renewable energy.

Here in Washington there are opportunities in agrivoltaics, community solar, microgrids, and renewable energy for the electric 'grid'. As a Board member I would apply my experience and knowledge towards these opportunities and goals.

Ross Kenyon

Ross Kenyon headshot

Seattle, WA

During my seven years as a co-founder of Nori, one of the world’s first carbon removal companies, I developed deep expertise in climatetech, carbon markets, and carbon removal. Alongside leading marketing, communications, and strategy functions, I played a key role in bringing innovative carbon credit products to market. Through producing two successful podcasts, I built extensive relationships across the climate sector, engaging hundreds of entrepreneurs, policy experts, and activists to amplify climate solutions.

I am excited about the opportunity to join SolarWA's board and contribute to accelerating solar adoption in our state. I bring valuable know-how in strategic planning, public communication, and relationship building—skills that align with SolarWA’s mission. Additionally, I am eager to deepen my fundraising experience and help develop educational content and strategic partnerships that make solar energy more accessible to Washington residents. With my background and network in a complementary field, I am uniquely positioned to bring fresh perspectives and help drive growth for SolarWA.

 

Dan Lefree

Dan Lefree headshot

Mukilteo, WA

I serve as the president and CEO of Community 1st Credit Union and ezSolarLoan, an online platform to finance solar and energy storage projects for Washington homeowners. Both homeowners and their solar installers appreciate our fair lending practices and the experience that we bring to the solar marketplace.I'm also very interested in extending the benefits of solar and reduced energy costs to multifamily housing and to disadvantaged communities.

I hope that my board service with Solar Washington would contribute to that goal.Our credit union has financed solar projects in Washington State for over a dozen years, and I'd be honored to share what we have learned with the Board and members of Solar Washington and contribute the success of your mission.

Megan Zahringer

Megan Zahringer headshot

Olympia, WA

I’m a local realtor in Thurston County, serving clients across King, Pierce, Lewis, and Mason counties. Having lived in Olympia for 35 years, I’m deeply invested in our community. I serve on the board of a local non-profit supporting youth and actively participate in associations, chambers, and committees that advocate for community improvement locally and statewide.

My connection to solar is both professional and personal. My husband is a lineman for Puget Sound Energy, making power and energy an integral part of our family. As a homeowner with solar, I’ve experienced its benefits firsthand and seen its growing popularity among homebuyers. I enjoy educating clients about solar, sharing personal experiences, and connecting them to resources.Joining the Solar Washington Board aligns with my passion for advancing renewable energy solutions. I aim to bridge the gap between solar resources and the community, empowering more people to embrace sustainable energy.

 

VOTE HERE

 

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